B.C. wants your opinion on walkable and bike-friendly communities

What, if anything, would make you ditch your car keys and walk, bike, or even rollerblade around?

The province wants to know what would make active transportation — so, getting around in a way that keeps you active — more attractive and accessible.

Known as the Active Transportation Strategy, this research is a part of the provincial government’s CleanBC plan which was launched last year aiming to reduce pollution and increase a low-carbon economy.

“We know that people are looking for ways to get around without having to use their cars,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, in a press release.

“We’re keen to hear what people think about building better, safer and smarter active transportation networks that work for people of all ages and abilities.”

Over the next six weeks, the province is encouraging people to participate online to share ideas on ways to make active transportation options more convenient and easier to use — including bike lanes, walking paths and connections to transit.

Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA for Vancouver-West End, and staff from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will also be leading conversations with local planners and Indigenous communities throughout the province.

“Together, we can build a better, safer and more active B.C. for ourselves, our kids and our grandchildren, while driving down climate change emissions,” said Herbert, in a press release.

“I’m excited to hear and share great ideas from across B.C. so we can better connect the places where we live, work, learn and play with infrastructure that supports active transportation, and support changes to make getting around safer for all.”